초록 ▼

An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectri

An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator. Sensing means is provided to sense the release of a second force greater than the first force, which triggers the release of stored electrical energy back into the piezoelectric actuator. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric actuator imparts a force into the bottom contact surface of the sole member.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An article of performance enhancing footwear, comprising:a shoe upper member having a bottom edge;a sole member having a footbed, a contact surface, a heel portion, an instep portion, and a deformable resilient section;said bottom edge of said shoe upper member being attached to sai

[ I claim:] [1.] An article of performance enhancing footwear, comprising:a shoe upper member having a bottom edge;a sole member having a footbed, a contact surface, a heel portion, an instep portion, and a deformable resilient section;said bottom edge of said shoe upper member being attached to said footbed;said sole member having a cavity between said contact surface and said footbed, said cavity having an upper surface and a lower surface;said deformable resilient section being disposed between said lower surface of said cavity and said contact surface;a piezoelectric spring apparatus within said cavity, said piezoelectric spring apparatus comprising;a piezoelectric actuator element having top and bottom opposing major surfaces;said bottom major surface of said piezoelectric actuator element being in mechanical contact with said lower surface of said cavity;said top major surface of said piezoelectric actuator element being in mechanical contact with said upper surface of said cavity;an electrode on each of said top and bottom opposing major surfaces; andenergy storage means for storing piezoelectrically generated electrical energy, said energy storage means being in electrical communication with each of said electrodes;whereby, upon application of a first force to said contact surface, said first force causes a deformation of said resilient deformable section;and whereby said deformation of said resilient deformable section causes a deformation of said piezoelectric actuator element, thereby piezoelectrically generating electrical energy with said piezoelectric actuator element.